Torch ignition system and ignition assembly

ABSTRACT

An ignition assembly and a torch ignition system are described that provide a system and a device that can be coupled to a torch and can provide a spark for igniting a fuel/oxygen mixture. In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch ignition system includes a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/234,712, entitled “TORCH IGNITION SYSTEM AND IGNITION ASSEMBLY,” filed on Sep. 30, 2015. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/234,712 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

A torch can be used to provide flame and/or heat to weld and/or cut metals and other materials. One type of torch can include a blowtorch. These torches can include a hose-supplied gas feed and/or a forced gas supply. A known method of welding and/or cutting includes the use of an oxy-fuel welding and/or cutting torch, such as an oxyacetylene (or acetylene) torch. In implementations, an acetylene torch can include a torch tip that includes orifices placed around a central jet. The orifices dispense fuel and oxygen for providing a preheating flame while the central jet provides only oxygen at a higher pressure than the fuel and oxygen mixture from the orifices, which causes the metal to melt. Then the resulting molten metal is blown away by the oxygen from the central jet.

SUMMARY

An ignition assembly and a torch ignition system are described that provide a system and a device that can be coupled to a torch and can provide a spark for igniting a fuel/oxygen mixture. In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, an ignition assembly includes an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an electric ignition device.

In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch ignition system includes a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly.

In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch igniting system includes an acetylene torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly pivotably coupled to the acetylene torch, where the ignition assembly is disposed proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly, where at least one hole is disposed in the igniter body proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed adjacent to the torch tip, where a spark from the ignition assembly ignites gas from the torch tip through the at least one hole.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating an implementation of a cutting torch in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a partial isometric view illustrating a torch ignition system and ignition assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a partial isometric view illustrating a torch ignition system and ignition assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a partial isometric view illustrating a torch ignition system and ignition assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a partial isometric view illustrating a torch ignition system and ignition assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side elevation view illustrating an ignition assembly including an electric ignition device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side elevation view illustrating an ignition assembly including a flint assembly, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is an isometric view illustrating an ignition assembly including an electric ignition device, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

A torch can be used to provide flame and/or heat to weld and/or cut metals and other materials. One type of torch can include a blowtorch. These torches can include a hose-supplied gas feed and/or a forced gas supply. A known method of welding and/or cutting includes the use of an oxy-fuel welding and/or cutting torch, such as an oxyacetylene (or acetylene) torch. In implementations, an acetylene torch can include a torch tip that includes orifices placed around a central jet. The orifices dispense fuel and oxygen for providing a preheating flame while the central jet provides only oxygen at a higher pressure than the fuel and oxygen mixture from the orifices. The fuel and oxygen mixture cause the metal to burn, while the oxygen from the central jet(s) blow the resulting molten metal away. However, the fuel and oxygen can often flow at a high rate making flame ignition difficult and/or dangerous.

Accordingly, an ignition assembly and a torch ignition system are described that provide an ignition assembly that may be coupled to a torch and can provide a spark for igniting a fuel/oxygen mixture. In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, an ignition assembly includes an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an electric ignition device.

In an implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch ignition system includes a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly.

In another implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a torch igniting system includes an acetylene torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly pivotably coupled to the acetylene torch, where the ignition assembly is disposed proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly, where at least one hole is disposed in the igniter body proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed adjacent to the torch tip, where a spark from the ignition assembly ignites gas from the torch tip through the at least one hole.

The ignition assembly and the torch ignition system described herein provide a convenient device for attaching to a torch and for providing a spark for igniting the torch while preventing a high flow of gas, oxygen, and/or fuel exiting the torch tip from extinguishing the ignition spark.

Example Implementations

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4C, a torch ignition system is described. The torch ignition system can include a torch 100 with a torch body 106, at least one gas tube 104, and a torch tip 102. In one implementation, the torch 100 can include, for example, an oxy-fuel torch (e.g., an oxyacetylene torch) that uses fuel gases and oxygen to weld or cut metals. It is contemplated that the torch ignition system can include and/or be used with a variety of torches, burners, or other devices that require ignition (e.g., soldering torch, a heating furnace, a space heater, a butane burner and/or torch, a propane burner and/or torch, etc.). In one specific implementation, the torch 100 can include a propane blowtorch. In another specific implementation, the torch 100 can include a handheld butane blowtorch.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1, the torch body 106 can function as a mechanical support for other components of the torch 100 and can function as a handle for a user. Additionally, the torch body 106 can be coupled to other torch components, such as gas hoses. The at least one gas tube 104 can be coupled to the torch body 106. In a specific implementation, the torch can include a first gas tube 114 (e.g., for acetylene or other fuel) and a second gas tube 116 (e.g., for oxygen). The first gas tube 114 and/or the second gas tube 116 can deliver the fuel, oxygen, and/or other gas to the torch tip 102. In some implementations, the torch 100 can include a third or additional gas tube. In one specific embodiment, the torch can include a third tube for delivering oxygen at a higher pressure than the other gas tubes. In this specific embodiment, the oxygen at a higher pressure can be utilized for cutting as opposed to being utilized for a preheat flame. Additionally, the third or additional gas tube may be disposed within another gas tube and/or may be standalone from the other gas tube(s). In one specific embodiment, the torch body 106 may include a valve (e.g., an oxygen valve that controls oxygen flow through an oxygen gas tube).

In implementations, the torch tip 102 can be coupled to the at least one gas tube 104 (e.g., first gas tube 114, second gas tube 116, additional gas tube, etc.). The torch tip 102 can be configured to dispense fuel and/or gas for providing a flame. In a specific embodiment, a torch tip 102 can be included as a portion of an acetylene cutting torch 100 where the torch tip 102 includes orifices placed around a central jet. The orifices dispense fuel and oxygen for providing a preheating flame while the central jet provides oxygen at a higher pressure than the oxygen causing the metal being cut to burn and blowing the resulting molten metal away. Sometimes, the fuel and/or oxygen can flow at a high rate making flame ignition difficult.

As shown in FIGS. 2A through 4C, an ignition assembly 108 can be provided that can be couplable to a torch 100 while providing a spark for igniting fuel and/or oxygen exiting from the torch tip 102. In implementations, the ignition assembly 108 can include means for providing ignition (e.g., a spark) to the torch tip 102 and/or a flammable gas (e.g., acetylene, oxygen, propane, butane, and/or any combination of gases, etc.) exiting from the torch tip 102. In one specific implementation, the ignition assembly 108 can include an electric ignition device, such as a piezo igniter. In embodiments, a piezo igniter may use the principle of piezoelectricity, which is an electric charge that accumulates in some materials in response to high pressure. The piezo igniter can include a small, spring-loaded hammer which, when a button is pressed, hits a crystal of PZT or quartz crystal and creates a high voltage and electrical discharge that is configured to ignite a flammable gas. In another embodiment, the ignition assembly 108 can include a flint assembly.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ignition assembly 108 can be rotatably coupled to the torch 100 and a first gas tube 114. In these embodiments, the ignition assembly 108 can include an igniter body 124, a clip 112 and/or other device for attaching the ignition assembly 108 to the torch 100, and a means for ignition and providing a spark. In some specific examples, the ignition assembly 108 can be coupled to the torch 100 using a pin, a bolt, and/or a brace disposed on the torch body 106 and/or at least one gas tube 104, to which the brace may be coupled. The pin and/or bolt can be rotatably coupled to the brace and/or the igniter body 124. In some instances, the ignition assembly 108 may not include a clip 112.

The igniter body 124 can include a frame and/or housing for including the means for ignition. In one implementation, the igniter body 124 can include a metal housing that is generally hollow and configured to house and/or contain an electric ignition device 118, an electrode 120, and/or a flint assembly 128. The igniter body 124 may include a variety of conductive metals, such as aluminum, copper, steel, etc. In one specific embodiment, the igniter body can include a cube configuration and can be formed from aluminum. It is contemplated that the igniter body 124 can be formed using a variety of other shapes, sizes, configurations, and materials.

Additionally, a clip 112 may be affixed to the igniter body 124 for attaching the ignition assembly 108 to, for example, a first gas tube 114 and/or a second gas tube 116. Further, a coupling assembly 110 can pivotably and/or rotatably couple the ignition assembly 108 to the torch 100, a first gas tube 114, and/or a second gas tube 116 such that the ignition assembly 108 can be attached to the torch 100 while being rotated from a first position (e.g., proximate to the torch 100, torch body 106, and/or gas tube 104) to a second position (e.g., one end of the igniter body 124 is disposed proximate to the torch tip 102). As shown in FIG. 2A, the coupling assembly 110 can be coupled to the first gas tube 114 and/or the second gas tube 116 using at least one fastener 130 (e.g., a bolt, a nut, a clamp). In one embodiment, the coupling assembly 110 can be attached to the first gas tube 114, the second gas tube 116, and the ignition assembly 108. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly 110 can be attached to only the first gas tube 114 and the ignition assembly 108. Additionally, the coupling assembly 110 may include a variety of configurations. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the coupling assembly 110 can include a piece of metal (e.g., a brace) that wraps around the first gas tube 114 and the second gas tube 116 with a bolt that fastens the two ends of the piece of metal to the ignition assembly 108 and a second bolt extending between the first gas tube 114 and the second gas tube 116 that fastens a first portion of the piece of metal to a second portion of the piece of metal. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly 110 includes only a piece of metal (e.g., a brace) that is attached to only the first gas tube 114 and the ignition assembly 108 using a set of bolts and nuts. It is contemplated that the coupling assembly 110 can include other materials (e.g., a durable polymer, etc.) and configurations.

In combination with the clip 112, the coupling assembly 110 can be positioned in a first position, as shown in FIG. 2A, where the ignition assembly 108 is in a non-ignition configuration. When a user desires to use the ignition assembly 108, the user can detach the clip 112 from the torch 100 and/or first gas tube 114 (while the ignition assembly 108 is still coupled to the torch 100 via coupling assembly 110) and rotate the ignition assembly 108 about a bolt and/or pin (or other rotatable fastener 130) toward the torch tip 102 (illustrated in FIG. 2B).

In some specific embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the ignition assembly 108 may not include a coupling assembly 110. In these specific embodiments, the ignition assembly 108 may include only a clip 112 that is configured to removably attach the ignition assembly 108 to the torch 100. When a user desires to ignite the torch 100, the user can remove the ignition assembly 108 from the torch 100 by pulling the ignition assembly 108 from the torch 100, which releases the clip 112. The user can manually position the ignition assembly 108 proximate to the torch tip 102, initiate a spark, and replace the ignition assembly 108 on the torch 100 using the clip 112.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the igniter body 124 can include at least one hole 126 proximate to the end 132 configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip 102 for igniting the torch 100. When an end 132 of the ignition assembly 108 is disposed adjacent to the torch tip 102, the hole(s) 126 may allow for a portion of the fuel/oxygen flow to pass through the hole(s) 126 and become ignited by the spark provided by the ignition assembly 108. Additionally, the spark may be exposed to the flammable gas through the hole(s) 126. The hole(s) 126 function to prevent a high flow of the fuel/oxygen mixture from extinguishing the spark or initial flame while allowing the spark to ignite the fuel/oxygen mixture. The igniter body 124 serves to reduce high flow of the fuel/oxygen mixture while the hole(s) 126 allow a portion of the fuel/oxygen mixture to still be ignited by the spark and in turn provide flame ignition for the torch 100. In one specific embodiment, the igniter body 124 can include two holes 126 that extend from the inside surface of the igniter body 124 to the outside of the igniter body 124. In another specific embodiment, the igniter body 124 includes one hole 126 proximate to the end 132 of the ignition assembly 108 configured to provide a spark to the torch tip 102. It is contemplated that the igniter body 124 can include other hole 126 configurations, such as differing sizes, locations, and/or numbers of hole(s) 126.

In implementations, the ignition assembly 108 may include an electric ignition device 118 configured to provide a spark for igniting the fuel/oxygen mixture from the torch tip 102. In one specific implementation, the electric ignition device 118 may include a piezo ignition device. In these implementations, a piezo ignition device can include a device that utilizes the principle of piezoelectricity, which is an electric charge that accumulates in a material in response to high pressure. A piezo ignition device can include a small, spring-loaded hammer, which, when released, hits the material and creates an area of pressure in turn creating a voltage. This voltage produces a subsequent spark (or electrical discharge) across an electrode gap (e.g., a spark gap 134 between an electrode 120 of the piezo ignition device and the igniter body 124 and hole(s) 126), which ignites the fuel/oxygen mixture. In some examples, the material may include quartz and/or lead zirconate titanate. It is contemplated that other piezoelectric materials may be used in the piezo ignition device. It is also contemplated that the electric ignition device 118 can include other types of electric spark generating devices. For example, the electric ignition device 118 may include a battery or other device for providing electric charge to create a spark (e.g., a small spark plug device, a capacitor, etc.). The electric ignition device 118 can be operated using a lever (e.g., lever 122), a push button, and/or a control knob. In some embodiments, an electric ignition device 118 that includes a piezo ignition device can include the hammer (or striking device), the crystal, and an electrode 120 that provides the electrical charge to the spark gap 134. It is contemplated that a variety of electric ignition devices 118 may be utilized in the ignition assembly 108.

In other instances, the ignition assembly 108 may include a flint assembly 128 for providing a spark. A flint assembly 128 can include a device that creates a spark by scraping a material against a rough surface. One specific embodiment of a flint assembly 128 can include a flint spark lighter, which works by rapidly scraping and/or rubbing a small piece of ferrocerium upon a substance that is harder than the ferrocerium. This manual scraping and/or rubbing action creates a spark, which can ignite the fuel/oxygen mixture. It is contemplated that other materials may be used within the flint assembly 128, such as flint, magnesium, mischmetal, etc.

In one specific implementation, a torch igniting system includes an acetylene torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly pivotably coupled to the acetylene torch, where the ignition assembly is disposed proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly, where at least one hole is disposed in the igniter body proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed adjacent to the torch tip, where a spark from the ignition assembly ignites gas from the torch tip through the at least one hole.

The torch ignition system 101 and the ignition assembly 108 disclosed herein provide for a convenient solution for coupling an ignition assembly 108 to a torch 100 and provide a device for igniting a torch in spite of potential high fuel/oxygen flow.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to a torch tip to provide ignition to a torch, comprising: an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition device.
 2. The ignition assembly of claim 1, wherein the igniter body includes at least one hole proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed proximate to the torch tip.
 3. The ignition assembly of claim 1, wherein the ignition assembly includes an electric ignition device.
 4. The ignition assembly of claim 3, wherein the electric ignition device includes a piezo igniter.
 5. The ignition assembly of claim 1, wherein the ignition assembly includes a flint assembly.
 6. The ignition assembly of claim 1, wherein the igniter assembly further comprises: a coupling assembly that couples the igniter assembly to the torch in a pivotable configuration.
 7. The ignition assembly of claim 6, wherein the coupling assembly includes a brace connected to the torch and the igniter assembly, where the brace includes a pivot assembly.
 8. The ignition assembly of claim 7, wherein the pivot assembly includes at least one of a pin or a bolt.
 9. A torch igniting system, comprising: a torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly configured to be positioned proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly.
 10. The torch igniting system of claim 9, wherein the torch includes an acetylene torch.
 11. The torch igniting system of claim 9, wherein the igniter body includes at least one hole proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed proximate to the torch tip.
 12. The torch igniting system of claim 9, wherein the ignition assembly includes an electric ignition device.
 13. The torch igniting system of claim 12, wherein the electric ignition device includes a piezo igniter.
 14. The torch igniting system of claim 9, wherein the ignition assembly includes a flint assembly.
 15. The torch igniting system of claim 9, wherein the igniter assembly further comprises: a coupling assembly that couples the igniter assembly to the torch in a pivotable configuration.
 16. A torch igniting system, comprising: an acetylene torch including a torch body, a first gas tube and a second gas tube coupled to the torch body, and a torch tip coupled to the first gas tube and the second gas tube; and an ignition assembly pivotably coupled to the acetylene torch, where the ignition assembly is disposed proximate to the torch tip to provide ignition to the torch, the ignition assembly including an igniter body, a clip that is coupled to the igniter body, the clip configured to fasten the ignition assembly to the torch, and an ignition assembly, where at least one hole is disposed in the igniter body proximate to an end of the igniter body configured to be placed adjacent to the torch tip, where a spark from the ignition assembly ignites gas from the torch tip through the at least one hole.
 17. The torch igniting system of claim 16, wherein the ignition assembly includes an electric ignition device.
 18. The torch igniting system of claim 17, wherein the electric ignition device includes a piezo igniter.
 19. The torch igniting system of claim 16, wherein the ignition assembly includes a flint assembly.
 20. The torch igniting system of claim 16, wherein the ignition assembly is pivotably coupled to the acetylene torch using at least one of a pin or a bolt. 